I’ve never blogged about my vacation before but it occurred to me this morning that I should. I travel to the same lovely spot at least twice sometimes three times a year and so why not. This magical place is the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, Canada.
Its Located in southern British Columbia, Canada – the Okanagan Valleyis one of the warmest regions in all of Canada. The Okanagan includes the cities of Kelowna, Penticton, Vernon and Osoyoos. During the summer months, visitors are offered countless sandy beaches, hot sun, and a variety of outdoor and water activities. Okanagan Lake provides the valley not only with excellent swimming but is also a spectacular backdrop to the golf coursesand Okanagan wineries and popular ski resortslocated in the rolling hills of this wine valley.
I’m not exaggerating when I say I’ve been coming here almost my whole life. I recall as a small toddler playing on the beaches of Penticton and Osooyos.
As an adult I’ve been fortunate to continue to travel here thanks in to my inlaws retiring to the area nearly 30 years ago. It’s been a favourite spot of mine and my husband’s for over 25 years.
There are so many things about this area that are amazing and here are my choices
1. The Beaches
Oh so many to choose from. From the aquamarine waters of Kalamalka Lake just outside of Vernon. Truly beautiful and the colour is almost surreal.
Kelowna has a big public beach that’s been a favourite in recent years.
Penticton by far in my opinion has the best beaches. There are two, on opposite sides of town, one on Okanagan Lake, the other on Skaha Lake. I like them each for different reasons.
Skaha beach is the beach you get your tan on!! Bordered by a nice green space it’s with shady trees perfect to picnic or seek shade. The beach plenty of soft sand and has always been my favourite. You can rent all kinds of water sport activities.
Skaha Beach
Okanagan beach is a great walking beach, lined with restaurants and homes and a lovely rose garden and historic ship that you can visit. It also has an amazing dog off leash area for your pet to frolic in the waves.
Okanagan Beach
2. The Wineries
There are so many now, many I’ve visited but not all. Wine tasting is subjective so I can’t say what the best winery is but there are certain ones I like for different reasons.
For the views, they’re all lovely but my favourites are Hawthorne Estate Winery, Quail’s Gate, See Ya Later Ranch and Hillside Estates. I would highly recommend visiting in the fall and attending the many events for the Okanagan Wine Festival. Okanagan wines are world renowned and have won many international awards over the years.
3. The scenery
It’s truly breathtaking . I’ve been coming to the area for years but the view still takes my breath away every time. The crystal blue lakes, hills, wineries and orchards are amazing.
4. The orchards and fruit
Depending on what month you’re visiting you may catch cherry season, peach, apricot or apples, they are all delicious! You’ll also find yummy locally grown produce wherever you go. Fruit stands line the highways from Vernon to Osooyos. There are plenty of U-pic places as well.
5. Festivals and events
There is always lots going on here…Peach Festivals, the Okanagan Wine Festival and triathlon
6. Restaurants
There are soooo many good ones Terry’s or The Bench for breakfast in Penticton and for dinner The Hooded Merganser on Okanagan Beach has a lovely view. Theo’s is an amazing family owned Greek restaurant downtown and I just tried Burger55 , soooo good! And who could forget Tickleberries in OK Falls for the yummy ice cream.
7. Shopping
While not a big metropolis by any stretch I always find unique jewelry and clothing at the local shops and farmer’s markets and wineries. Unique and local artisans sell lovely original artwork, jewelry and pottery.
I also find the Winners in Penticton is awesome, not picked over at all. I love strolling downtown Penticton to explore the cute boutiques and stores.
8. Relaxing
I love the small town feel and it’s so easy just to relax and unwind. The weather is amazing in the summer and I always feel so refreshed when I’m there. ❤️
I hope that you get the opportunity to travel to this area. It’s amazing and I hope to retire there someday ❤️
Check out these links for more info:
https://www.thewinefestivals.com/
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